Lesotho Travel Guide

Lesotho — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

If spending some time in rural villages, it is polite to inform the head chief. It is likely that he will be very helpful. Normal social courtesies and a friendly, warm approach will be greatly appreciated. Dress should be practical and casual but local customs should be respected (including those regarding modesty in dress). Religion plays an important part in daily life.

Photography: Photographs must not be taken of the following: the palace, police establishments, government offices, the airport or monetary authority buildings.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

Lesotho’s national airline has closed down. South African Airways (SA) (website: www.flysaa.com) has daily flights to Maseru from Johannesburg (flight time - 1 hour 15 minutes).

Departure Tax

LSL50 for international flights, LSL10 for domestic flights; transit passengers and children under 5 years are exempt.

Main Airports

Maseru (MSU) (Moshoeshoe International) (website: www.civilair.gov.ls/moshoeshoe) is 18km (11 miles) south of Maseru. To/from the airport: Buses go to the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Facilities: Bank and bureau de change, bar, restaurant, flight information, left luggage facilities, car hire and post office.

Getting There By Rail

Lesotho is linked with the South African railway system by a short line (2.6km/1.6 miles) from Maseru to Marseilles, on the Bloemfontein/Natal main line. This is currently only used for goods trains. African Union Rail is planning a railway line linking Lesotho with Durban and Port Elizabeth, as part of a program of action to improve access for landlocked countries.

Getting There By Road

There are three major road links to South Africa: at Caledonsport, Ficksburg Bridge and Maseru Bridge. Other crossing points exist, but the road surfaces are not as good and some can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive.

Bus: Buses and minibus taxis run regularly between Maseru and Johannesburg.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods to a total value not exceeding M500 may be imported into Lesotho without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 1L spirits and 2L wine.
• 50mL of perfume.

Note: (a) Goods with serial numbers must be declared. (b) No alcohol may be imported by visitors from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. (c) Any excess is charged import duty at a flat rate of 20%.

Prohibited Imports

Counterfeit coins or notes, weapons, blasphemous material, indecent or obscene works or articles of an inflammatory nature such as certain pamphlets or posters.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the left. The road system is underdeveloped and few roads are paved. The main road which runs through the towns from the north to the western and southern borders is tarred, but other roads can be impassable during the rainy season. It is advised not to drive in rural areas at night (or even walk around Maseru at night). There have been incidents of mugging and vehicle hijacking.

Bus: There are minibuses in the lowlands.

Car hire: Available in Maseru.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended. National driving licenses are normally valid, provided that they are either in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Enquire at the high commission or embassy for details.